Tropical Storm Rachel Brings Flood Threats to Southern California Coast

Tropical Storm Rachel prompted flood and storm preparations across Southern California as San Diego County remained under a tropical storm watch and coastal communities faced heavy rain, high surf and rising tides. The National Weather Service said the storm could bring its strongest impacts through Sunday.

The National Weather Service said San Diego County could receive moderate to heavy rain from late Saturday through Sunday afternoon, with the heaviest rainfall expected in mountain, desert and county areas.

"Moderate to heavy rain is expected late Saturday through Sunday afternoon, with the heaviest rain expected over the mountain, deserts, and across San Diego County," said the National Weather Service.

The agency also forecast additional showers on Monday from a separate colder weather system, estimating that more populated areas could receive around 0.25 inches of rainfall. The storm watch for San Diego County was expected to remain in effect through Tuesday.

"Additional light showers" said the National Weather Service were expected on Monday as another weather system moved through the region.

The National Weather Service said the storm's path moved farther south after the agency issued the watch Friday, when Rachel was about 900 miles from the Baja California coast.

"The storm’s track has shifted further south," said the National Weather Service.

San Diego officials activated shelter protocols for unhoused residents and opened recreation centers as locations for residents to collect empty sandbags. The San Diego River at Fashion Valley was under a flood advisory and was expected to crest at just over 8 feet before noon Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Wind gusts were also expected to increase through Sunday morning, with gusts reaching 25 mph in the San Diego metropolitan area and 40 to 55 mph in mountain and desert areas, according to the National Weather Service.

In Newport Beach, officials closed the Newport Pier, Balboa Pier and The Wedge after coastal flooding affected streets on the Balboa Peninsula. The city said high surf, elevated tides and ocean conditions could create additional flooding risks through the weekend.

Newport Beach declared a local emergency to help secure resources, while city crews rebuilt sand berms, operated pumps and managed tide valves. Officials said 10,000 sandbags were delivered Friday morning and another 20,000 arrived later.

"I've been on the phone with the Coastal Commission to try to help get support for Beach Row residents. We've also reached out to building trades to see if they can help with labor and equipment," said Seimone Jurjis, Newport Beach director of emergency services.

Foley said city and regional agencies continued coordinating resources as flooding concerns remained along the coast. Orange County Public Works crews assisted with the response, while additional support was requested from state resources.

"We're all hands on deck," said Foley.

The National Weather Service issued coastal flood warnings for Orange County beaches through at least 3 p.m. Sunday, with officials warning that high tides, strong onshore winds and ocean swells could worsen coastal conditions.